Privacy mode for always-on voice-activated information assistant

Abstract

A user device and method discriminately provides audible responses to a voice command received by a user device that supports voice activation. The method includes detecting a first pre-established, audible activation command that activates the user device. In response to detecting the first pre-established, audible activation command, the method includes producing a first audible acknowledgement within loudspeaker proximity of the user device and then monitoring for detection of at least one second, audible acknowledgement produced by another user device within a pre-set time interval, which detection would indicate that the other user device is also responding. The method includes processing and responding to a received audible command in response to not detecting. However, in response to detecting, the method includes triggering entry into a privacy mode of audible command input and producing a privacy mode announcement via at least one of a display and a sound producing component.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]The present disclosure generally relates to controlling personal electronic devices with audible commands and in particular to providing privacy for audible responses by personal electronic devices.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Personal electronic devices such as smart phones are becoming ubiquitous, as the devices provide a source of entertainment, communication, navigation, and personal assistance. While these user devices are designed with graphical and tactile interfaces, the use of voice commands is quickly becoming a common way to interact with and / or control these user devices. Some voice commands cause the user device to read back to the user personal information, such as the content of messages, in a hands free manner, i.e., without use of a tactile user interface of the user device, such as a touch screen or button controls. If the user is not listening via an earpiece or is not located in a private location, the audib...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present disclosure relates to controlling personal electronic devices with audible commands. More specifically, the disclosure provides a method and user device that discriminately provides audible responses to a voice command received by a user device that supports voice activation. The user device detects a first pre-established, audible activation command and produces a first audible acknowledgement within loudspeaker proximity of the user device. The user device monitors for detection of at least one second, audible acknowledgement within a pre-set time interval. If the second auditory acknowledgement is not detected, the user device processes and responds to the received auditory command. The user device also triggers entry into a privacy mode of audible command input and produces a privacy mode announcement via at least one of a display and a sound producing component. The technical effect of the patent text is to provide a more privacy-friendly and secure way of controlling personal electronic devices with auditory commands.

Problems solved by technology

If the user is not listening via an earpiece or is not located in a private location, the audible presentation of this information can be problematic and can even be embarrassing.

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